Photographic illuminating equipment



March 20, 1962 N. DElscH PHOTOGRAPHIC ILLUMINATING EQUIPMENT 5 Sheeus-SheerI 1 Filed Aug. 2l, 1958 March 20, 1962 N. DEISCH PHOTOGRAPHIC ILLUMINATING EQUIPMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 21, 1958 Invenior:

Noel Deis ch his Attorney FIG. 5

March 20, 1962 N. DEISCH PHOTOGRAPHIC ILLUMINATING EQUIPMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 2l, 1958 FIG. 6

FIG. '7

FIG. 10

Inventor: Noel Deisch his Attorney 3,026,409 PHQTGRAPHEQ ELLUMENATING EQUWMENT Noel Deisch, '799 Monroe St. NE., Washingttm, Ddl.

' Filed Aug. 21, 1958, Ser. No. 756,479

' Claims. (Cl. 24M-1.3)

The present invention relates to photographic illuminating equipment, more particularly to that kind of ash apparatus known looselyv as the main light, and its primary object is to provide a light of this character which is better adapted to its functional ends through being less subject to mishap and more' completely self-contained than apparatus currently available.

Another object of the invention is to provide a coordinate system of wiring for a flash-lamp assembly in which the outside lead to the lamp head is eliminated and the manipulation of the extension cord `is simplified.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a Vfiring connection for the flash-lamp which is integral with 4the mast of the vlamp stand.

' A further object of the invention is to provide an improved 4electrical connectionrbetween the lamp lead and Y the lamp mounting.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for including and retaining the extension cord as part of the main light assembly `while yet avoiding interference with the movement of the adjustable base of the stand.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for protecting thev collapsed reflector blades of the ilash lamp from injuryduring transport or handling.

As a prefatory clarification it may be mentioned that in setting up for a multiple flash exposure, theflash lamp is, typically, iirst attached to its supporting stand by means of a bracket, the firing cord is attached to the lamp, the stand is positioned and elevated tothe desired height, and sufficient cord is undone from a coil or loosed from a reel to span the distance between the lamp and the firing unit, where its free end is plugged in to complete the' connection.

It is a common experiencethat that portion of the connecting cord which extends from the lamp mounted at the top of the flash stand down to the door is frequently a cause of accident and annoyance, especially when the lamp is stationed quite high, say near the ceiling, since if it be vnot carefully laid, or if it be not of adequate length, the

cord slopes away from the stand and may so unbalance it as to cause the stand to fall; the dangling cord may moreover be snagged orjtripped upon to occasion the Vsame mishap.

It isa feature of the present invention that the trouble some portion of cord above referred to is eliminated, the conductor which it represents being in lfact made integral with the mast of the stand. vTo the above end the cord or conductor connecting the flash lamp with the firing unit is divided into two distinct sections having mutual connection at the base of the stand, one section, above referred to, extending from the flash lamp at the top yof the stand to this lower junction point, and the other extending from the point of junction to the firing unit, usually placed at the camera.

The second section of conductor as above defined, which may conveniently consist of a cord fro-m 25 to 5@ feet long, is according to the invention herein described normallycarried on a reel attached toor existing as a part of thelower frame of thestand. The reel is so mounted that no interference withthe opening of the legs of the stand can take place. Since thus the two portions of conn ductor constitute a permanent part of the stand itself, the only electrical connection that must be made when setting up is the one of'plugging-inl at the ltiring unit.

Means havelikewisey been Adevised to incorporate lthe zfl Patented Mar. 20, 1952 flashlamp itself completely within the general structure of the stand, while yet retaining the adjustability of the lamp through a wide range. A pocket or sheath is disposed to receive and protect from accidental injury the folded fan-type reector of the lamp when the stand is in the collapsed position.

The coordinate arrangement of the various organs which constitute a complete flash main light as herein described results in an assembly which greatly promotes its general utility and the facility with which it may be brought into use.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention'will appear hereinafter inthe'detailed description, be particularly pointed out in the appended claims and be illustrated in the accompanying drawings," in which:

FIG. l is an isometric view of the erected flash stand, the extension cord being shown partly loosed'from its reel and making connection with a power and triggering unit indicated in diagram.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the completely folded flash stand.

FK?. 3 is a side elevational View of the folded stand.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken on the line `4 4 of FIG. 2 but with some parts in a different position of adjustment, and shows especially the ashlamp socket and the upper part of the nested mast.

FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional viewtaken on the line 5 5 of FIG. 4, showing details of the flash lamp socket and connections.

FlG. 6, which shows the lower part of the nested mast, is a view supplementing FlG. 4, being likewise a section taken mainly on the line d-fl of FIG. 3, having however some parts in fragmented section and in elevation.

FG. 7 is a detailed elevational view corresponding to FIG. 2 but drawn on they same scale as FIG. 5 of which latter figure it is largely an eluoidation, and shows features of the electrical connections at the base of the stand,

the cover plate of the wire inlet fitting being removed.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged horizontal section taken on the lin-e of F'IG. 3, showing especially the reflector blade protecting shield and its attachments.

FIG. 9 is a horizontal section taken on the line 9--9 of FlG. 3, but with the mast in the extended position, and shows details of the base wiring connections.

LFIG. l() is a largely sectional detail view showing the relation'of parts at one of the mast joints when the mast is in itsfully extended position.

-FIGQll is an isometric view of a two-part insulating insert, shown in its assembled positionin FIGS. 4 and 5.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, in which like reference characters designate like parts, there is shown generally a collapsible tripod base or support 1 (FIG. l) supportingin vertical position an :adjustably extensible stern or mast 2 which carries swiveled atits upper end a flash head 3, this including a lamp socket l having electrical connection with a more or less rerrmtelyv located ring assemjblyS through a conductor 6 divided into sections comprising (1) a length 7 of conductor coextensive with the mast, and (2) a second length S represented by the extension cord ggnominally carried on a reel or holder 1t?. A guard arm ll receives the foldable reflector l2 of the liash head 3 in itsfolded position.

More particularly the support 1, of conventional construction, comprises acentral tubular body or barrel 13a having secured at its lower end as `by a screw 14 a mounting bracket or base casting 15. A sleeve or collar i6 encircles the barrel 13a and is easily' slidable along its length. Pivoted between the split bosses or twin ears i7 that project radially from this sleeve, and depending kfrom it, are the supporting legs 18. Similar ears formed braces 19, whose upper ends are pivoted to the legs 18l at a median point 2@ in their length. By reason of the geometrical relations of the parts in the linkage just described, movement of the sleeve 16 downwardly along the length of the barrel 13a coordinately extends the lower or restin gends 21 of the legs 1S from a position near the central axis of the barrel to a chosen radial distance from this axis, providing a stable 3-point base of desired reach or span. Conversely, moving the sleeve 16 upwardly to the limit of its travel retracts the legs 18 and their braces 19 to a position closely adjacent and parallel to the barrel. A clamping screw 22, which is threaded through the sleeve 16 and `tightenable against the barrel 13a, serves to ix the legs at a desired position of adjustment or to lock them securely when collapsed.

The barrel 13a, besides constituting the king-post for the base 1, serves also as the main or body member of the extensible mast 2. This last also is largely of conventional design, its upright stern being divided into a plurality of mutually telescoping sections, the number of sections depending on the specic eld of Work which the Hash stand is designed to meet. There are here shown live sections, comprising a series of concentric tubes of progressively decreasing diameter designated respectively 13a, 13b, 13C, 13d, and 13e. An `annular free space 23 which may convniently be of approximately 0.05 thickness is allowed between the inner diameter of any given tube and the outer diameter of the next adjacent tube for purposes which will presently become apparent. Each of the tubes 13a, 13b, 13C, 13d and 13e is capped at its upper end by a head or bushing 24a, 24h, 24C, 24d and 24e, this cap being held to the tube with a tight force lit or by other suitable means of attachment. The top wall 25 (FIG. 10) of the caps 13a, 13b, 13C and 13d is drilled centrally to form an aperture 26 of a diameter sufficient to pass the immediately inner mating tube with a close but free sliding fit. Each of the tubes 13b, 13e, 13d and 13e carries a short expanded or enlarged section 27 at its bottom end, the external diameter of which is'such that the outer surface of this expanded section forms an easy sliding fit with the unexpanded inner wall of the next outer tube. As the tubes are moved longitudinally along their common axis in making an adjustment of height, each tube is steadied both at its base and at that point in its length which is in contact with its mating bushing to ensure a smooth mutual movement. At the uppermost limit ofV its travel (FIG. the shoulder 28 of the expanded section 27 of any of the several tubes 13b, 13C, 13d and 13e is brought to abut against the inner shoulder 9 of `the cap 24a, 241:, 24e and 24d of the next outer tube, preventing any section of the mast from becoming inadvertently disengaged from any other by reason of a hasty adjustment of height. A clamping screw 30, which is threaded through each of the bushings 24a, 24b, 24C and 24d, serves to secure the sections of the mast at any position Within their limits of travel. By these means the flash head 3 may be positioned at a desired height according lto the requirements of the particular location or setting; and by the same means the sections of the mast can for purposes of portability be quickly nested together to form a compact package.

The socket 4 of the ash head 3 has a main cy1indrical cup-shaped lbody portion 31, over which fits a retaining strap or saddle 32 secured to the cup 31 by screws 33. The depending ends of the saddle form ears 34 which clasp the opposite flat sides 35 of the square cap or head 24e of the terminal section 13e of the mast 2, being held thereto by a clamping screw 37 which passes through a transverse drill-hole 38 in the ears 34 and in the head 24e, the screw being provided with a wing-nut 39 to facilitate angling adjustment and clamping. The cup 31 is closed at its rear end by a wall 40, and against the inner side of this wall is caged a metallic spider 41, having backwardly sprung legs 42 the foot portions of which are loosely cramped between the wall 40 and the rear end 43 of a tubular insulating tube 44 of Bakelite or similar material.

The insulating tube 44, which iits tightly within the cup 31, is retained by the aforementioned screws 33, the latter being threaded through the strap 32, through the cup 31, and into the tube 44, permanently holding the three parts in xed relation. Mounted within the insulating tube 44 is the metallic sleeve-like liner 45, preferably formed of spring brass, the opposite free ends 46 of which are evected to iit tightly within corresponding annular grooves 47 formed in the inner side of the cylinder 44, to anchor the liner 45 tightly to the ring. A clasp comprising three spring-like contacting tongues 48 struck inwardly from the waist portion of the liner 45 and having integral attachment with this liner at their roots 49, and corrugated or threaded along their free length, -accept and hold securely the matingly threaded base 50 ofthe ash bulb 51.

As before noted, the llash lamp structure just described has electrical connection to a junction point at the 'base of the stand through means integral with the ,mast itself, the body of the mast constituting one leg S2 of this rst portion 7 of the flash lamp circuit, the other leg 53 of the same portion '7 of the circuit, presently to be described in detail, being cased within the mast;

Again referring to FIG. 4 it will be seen that the contacting tip 54 at the base 50 of the ash bulb` 51 makes iirm contact with the central portion of the spring-legged spider 41, and is thus grounded to the cup 31 and hence to the conductor 52. 0n the other hand the outer or threaded contacting piece 55 of the flash bulb 51 makes contact through the tongues 48 with the conductor 53, as now described.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, it will be noted that the sleeve 45 carries at its lower portion a reed or contacting brush 56 struck downwardly out of its body and extending with wide clearance through a slot 57 formed in the bottom portion of the tube 44 and of the cup 31. The' brush 56, urged downwardly through its own elasticity, makes irm contact with the arcuate peripheral surface 58 of a collector or'contacting piece 59, the latter being insulated from the mast 2 by means of the' composite insulating insert shown most clearly in FIG. ll. The head cap 24e of the section 13e of the mast 2 is channeled or slotted at 60 to receive the insulating insert 61, this latter being rst assembled with the above-mentioned collector 59, the at body portion 62 of which ts between the two leaves 63 of the insulator 61, receiving the short cylindrical core insulator 64 in the holes 65 formed in the leaves 63 and in the collectorr59. This assembly of two-part insulator and collector is forced into the slot 60, with which it forms a close t, and its held delinitely in place by the insertion of the clamping bolt 30. It is apparent that when, in use, the flash-lamp head 3 is made to swing about the axis of the bolt 3U to secure an adjustment of vertical angle of the larnp axis, the brush 56 slides over the arcuate edge 58 of the collector 59, maintaining contact at `all angles. The brush 56 is protected from mechanical injury by the surrounding structure. Y

Depending from the body portion 52 of the collector 59, are legs 66 which extend through -a slot 67 in the base of the insulator 61. These zlegs are nominally sprung somewhatoutwardly from the position shown in FIG. 4, and may be provided with pointed or rounded leading edges 68 to facilitate assembly. As the collector assembly is forced into the `slot in the manner above noted, the legs 66 enter Within the interior of the mast and make hrm contact therein with the conductor 53 as hereafter made plain.

Referring now especially to FIGS. 4 and 6, there is shown a nested series of mutually telescoping metallic tubes of progressively decreasing diameter 69a, 6%, 69e and 69d. Each member of this family of tubes, here :referred to generally as the core tube 70 and identical with the conductor 53, fits rover the next in ner member with a close but easy sliding fit. The outermost or largest of these tubes 69a, is .throughout its length held tightly within thesmallest orend section 13e ofthemast 2, being electrically isolated therefrom by means of an vinsulating tube 71 of hard laminated `tbreor 'similar substance. The diametral dimensionspfthe mast tube 13e,

of the insulating tube 71, and of the conducting tube 69d are so related that ywhen assembled under pressure these three parts mutually combine to for-m a laminated tube of substantially integral mechanical structure and tightly.A held .within `the encircling wall of the enlarged portion 27 of the corresponding mast tube 131213c'and 13d. A portion ofcement y73r may if desired be placed between the conducting tubes 6911, 69e and69d and the corresponding bushing 72 mountedon them, as also between the bushings 72 and themast tube 13e etc. in which the bushings 7 2 are mounted, to act as a lubricant during assembly and to assure a thorough bond :after hardening. The smallest core tube 69d receives in its bore a rod 74, the lower threaded end of which passes through a central hole 75 in the bipartite insulatinginsert 76 and is clamped thereto by the nut 77 acting against the xed collar `78 mounted thereon. The insert .76 lits tightly within the main body tube 13a of the stand, being cemented thereto` at its edges if desired, as at 79. It will be understood that the complete core -tube 70 together with the rod 74, constitutes the second leg 53 of the first section7 of the conductor 6. To

vassure definite electrical contact between the various members of this set of tubes at all times, the upper end of the rod 74 as also of each of the tubes 69h, 69e

and 69d is split to form tongues80 which are given an outward set tothe end that the tongues of anytube bear iirmly against the inside wall of the next outer tube at any relative position of the tubes.

From the above it is. clear that `in making any adjustment of length of the mast 2, the two legs of the conductor 7 (including as its one leg V52 the telescoping sectionalmast and as its other leg53 the inner telescoping sectional core 70) are coordinately shortened or extended, and that in completing such adjustment of length by tightening the Iclamping screws 31 of the sec tions 13a, 13b,13c,-13d and 13e of the mast 2, perfect electrical contact throughout this section of conductor is assured without separate attention.

The extension cord 9, of substanial lengh, wl1ich consitutes the second section of the Hash-lamp operating circuit, is normally held in position for use by being wound or looped about two hooked or J-shaped brackets 81.and82 which,.together, with their supporting frame or base 13a, constitute the reel 10. The upper of these brackets, 81, is secured at its upper end by a` screw S3 to the head 24a of the barrel 13a, its shank portion 84 4being placed outwardly from the axis of the barrel 13a a sufficient distance to give good clearance to the tripod leg adjusting sleeve 16, as shown clearly in FIG. 8. The bracket 81 is moreover so positioned with relation to this sleeve that its shank 84 lies between the bosses or bearings 17 of the sleeve, to the end that movement of the sleeve can not occasion interference with the bracket.

The lower bracket 82 is attached to the base casting 1S by the screw 14, and the bottom section 86 of its shank, which lits closely between the guides or bosses 87 formed at the side of the base casting 15, serves as cover-plate for theterrninal attachments of the cord 9. The particular arrangement employed is detailed in FIGS. 5, 7 and 9. It will be noted that the extension cord 9 carries at its point of entrance into the base of the stand a reinforcing Vtogether with dthe inner extremity 39 of the cord 9 which it envelops, is clamped tightly between the serrated seat formed at the side of the base casting 15, and the flat rear face 91 of the lower wire bracket 82, the wire or conductor 92 which forms one lead'of the cord being through its terminal lug 93 secured, within the recess 95, to the base casting 15 by the screw 94, thus making contact with the first leg 52 of the lead 7. The second wire or lead 96 of the cord 9 passes through a hole 97 in the base casting 15 and in the wall of the barrel 13a, its terminal lug 98 being secured under the retainingnut 77 of the rod 74, to complete electrical contact with the second leg 53 of the lead. An insulating disk 99 and a protecting cover plate 100 are pressed within the socket nlill formed in the base of theV casting v15 after assembly.

It will beunderstood that the free end 182 of the extension cord 9 is iitted with a connector 1tl3`by which its two leads 92 and 96 may be plugged in to make contact with a tiring unit such as the wholly conventional and merely exemplary arrangement sketched indiagram v9, an elasticrretainer, which may consist of a coiled spring (not shown) or of a rubber band as indicated at 111 in FIGS. 2 and 3, and which has attachmentat 112, is looped about the connector 103 to hold `taut vthe ter* minal or free end 102 of the cord 9.

Referring back to the structure shown in FIG. 4, it will be noted that the cup or body portion 31 of the flash lamp socket 4 bears at its front or open end two spaced flanges or retaining rings 113. Loosely held in the annular trough formed between these flanges are the 'stacked ring-like root or anchor portions 114i of a plurality of blades 115 of the foldable fan-type ash reflector 12 of well-known conventional form. These blades when folded, `as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, form a compact sheaf 117, and the lower end of this sheaf, when the mast 2 is collapsed, enters into the mouth 11S of the guard or sheath 11, where the blades are held closely together and are guarded from accidental injury as long as the mast is retained in the collapsed position, but as soon as themast is slightly extended in setting up the stand the blades are automatically released. The guard 11 has the form of :a generally rectangular cup with walls of substantial section, its back wall 119 as shown most A plainly in FIG. 8 being attached at its upper end by rivets 120 to oppositely extending ears 12.1 formed integrally with the head of the bracket 81. As illustrated, the cup or guard 11 may be made of such depth as to receive only the lower portion of the sheaf of blades 117, but of course if desired the walls may be extended upwardly to envelop these blades to their roots.

Having described my invention, I claim:

l. Photographic lighting apparatus comprising an electrically conductive base, an electrically conductive mast supported by and telescopingly mounted for extension and retraction in and electrically connected to said base, a flash-lamp holder pivotally mounted on and electrically connected to an upper part of said mast and having a collapsible reflector, a guard mounted on said base and disposed to receive said reflector on collapse thereof and telescoping of said mast in said base, a telescoping electrical lead formed of a plurality of sections slidably mounted one within another and electrically connected to said lamp holder, said lead being in and insulated from and carrying a connector at its opposite end, and rneans on said base for holding .said cord in coiled condition.

2. Photographic lighting apparatus comprising an 'elec-- trically conductivebase, an electrically conductive mast. supported by and telescopingly mounted for extension and retraction in and electrically connected to said base, a.

flash-lamp holder pivotally mounted on and electrically' connected to an upper part of said mast, a telescoping:

electrical lead electrically connected to said lamp holder j and formed of a plurality of sections slidably mounted one within another, said leadbeing in and insulated from said base and mast and eXtensible with said mast, a coilable electrical cord electrically connected to said base 'l and lead, saidV cord being secured at one end toV said base and carrying a connector at its opposite end, and means. y

on said base for holding said cord in coiled condition.

3.' Photographic lighting apparatus comprising an elec-y trically conductive base, a telescoping mast supported by and electrically connected to said base and oarryingand electrically connected to a vflash-lamp holder, said mast including electrically conductive and connected sections slidably` mountedone within another for adjusting said holder tocdilferent.heights `above said base, a telescoping eter than andy sliding over a nextlower section, said inner spar having corresponding sections mechanically connected at their lower ends to sections of said mast by electiically insulating supporting bridge' means, andsaid conductor forming with said mast ingoing and outgoing electrical connections to said flash-lamp holder.

6. ln a photographic lightingv apparatus including a base supporting a telescopic mast formed of a plurality of sections slidably mounted one within another and having lmounted thereon a Hash-lamp holder, the improvementA comprising a multiple-bladed foldable' reilector mounted on said holder about a socket thereinand having its blades foldable and unfoldableabout said socket, and an upwardly opening open-mouthedicase attachedV to said base and of a size to receive and receiving the folded blades of said rellector when the mast is retracted, said case automatically releasing said blades on extension of said mast. Y

7. In photographic lighting apparatus having a base and a mast telescopingly mounted for extension and retraction in said base and carrying and electrically connected to a llashlight holder, the improvement comprisc ing a telescopic conductor electrically connected to said electrical lead formed of a plurality of sections slidably' sulated from and extensible with said mast and electricallr connected t-o said 'flash-lamp holder, and an electrical cord electrically connected to said base and lead, said cord l having one end permanently lixed to said base and bearing at its other end a connector for making contact with a flash-lamp triggering unit.

4. Photographic lighting apparatus comprising an electrically conductive base, a telesc-oping mast supported by and. electricallyconnected t-o said base and vcarrying and electrically connected to a flash-lamp holder, said mast including a plurality of electrically conductive land connected sections slidably mounted one within another for adjusting said holderto different heights above said base, and a telescoping conductor including a plurality of electrically conductive and connected, sections slida-blymounted one within another, said conductor being contained within and electrically insulated from said base and mast, and saidconductor being electrically connected at one end to said flash-lamp holder and connectible at f its other end to an outgoing triggering unit.

5. Photographic lighting apparatus comprising an eX- tensible mast, a hash-lamp holder mounted on and electrically connected to said mast, said mast including a plurality of conductive and connected tubular sections each of less diameter than and sliding in anext lower section, and a telescoping inner spar electrically connected to said holder and including a like number of electrically l conductive and connected sections each of greater diam- ,holder and formed of a plurality of sections slidably mounted one within another, said conductor being in and @electrically insulated from said base and mast and formfing therewith electricalleads to said holder.

mounted one within another, ksaid leadbeing in and in-V 1 Y 8. In photographic apparatus having a base and a mast A slidably mounted for extension and retraction in and elect ly connected to a flashlight holder, the improvement comfprising a telescopic conducto-r electricallyrconnected to i sald holder and formed of a plurality of sections slidably j rnounted one within another, Asaid conductor being in and veelectrically insulated from said base and mast and form-- ling therewith electrical leads to saidholder, and a llexible electrical 'cord secured at one end to said baseand having I a plurality of conductors electrically connected one to -said base` and mast and another to said telescopic conany ductor. l

References cited in the me of this parentV UNITED STATES' PATENTS 524,706 Connell Aug. 21, 1894 1,370,842 Reeves Mar. 8, 1921 1,889,978 Dickey Dec. 6, 1932 2,000,743 Cohen May 7, 1935 A"2,267,653 Hawkins Dec. 23, 1941 2,513,961 Ostrom July 4, 1950 2,780,720 Bertrams Feb. 5, 1957 2,827,553 Riches Mar. 18, 1958 2,876,337 Fischer Mar. 3, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 3,350 Great Britain 1882 

